The OBD-II – aka ‘onboard diagnostics’ – function in your car is a godsend for diagnosing, tracking down, and troubleshooting car problems. However, what if the OBD port isn’t working, how do you test it? Testing whether or not the OBD port in your car is working or otherwise can be a bit challenging, but it’s certainly not impossible. A visual inspection of the connector is a good first step, before going deeper. If you can’t spot any problems visually, …
Diagnostics
Should An Alternator Spin Freely: Resistance In Pulley Or Bearing?
When diagnosing, servicing, or installing a brand-new alternator in your car, one of the common questions that often gets asked is whether or not should an alternator spin freely, or should there be resistance? In practice, I’ve learned, over the years, that both are true! Typically, a freely-spinning alternator that does not have any resistance is generally a good sign. This indicates that the alternator has healthy bearings. However, it’s important to note that a tiny bit of resistance, particularly …
Your car’s MAF (mass airflow) sensor is an important part of any vehicle, as it determines both the volume and the density of air entering the engine. However, what should the MAF sensor read when it’s idle? In practice, there’s no one-size-fits-all reading, as your MAF sensor readings at idle can vary depending on the make and model of the car. Moreover, there are other factors to consider, like the size of your engine. For example, a 3.0-liter engine might …
Your car has a lot of sensors that feed information to the computer to keep it running smoothly. One such sensor you might not know of is the O2 or oxygen sensor. This is a sensor that sits in your exhaust system and monitors the level of oxygen inside your car’s exhaust gases. For such an important component, it’s not a surprise then that the O2 sensor cost isn’t inexpensive. As with any other car part, the O2 sensor can …
Engine cylinder 2 misfire reduces your engine’s power and can lead to severe complications. The P0302 OBD2 code triggers when cylinder 2 experiences misfires. Knowing which cylinder has problems is very beneficial when preparing to make repairs. The cost of getting your engine fixed can be astronomical, and you have no idea how many of those repairs are needed just because the wrong code was set. With an OBD2 scanner tool, it’s easy to track how engine performance is changing …
Honda Accord Years To Avoid: Best/Worst Years Of A Great Car
If you want a reliable, fun, and economical midsize family car, the Honda Accord is one of the best options out on the market today. Ever since its introduction, this sedan has been one of the best sellers in its segment. However, if you want the best experience, there are some Honda Accord years to avoid. And After going through this article, you will know everything about them! Honda Accord History & Overview General Reliability Most Common Problems Final Conclusion …
Have you been hearing lately some weird noise and vibrations coming from the transmission? Something that feels like a shudder? That may sound worrying, but you should not jump to conclusions too quickly. Maybe it’s just a transmission shudder. What Is A Car Transmission? Causes For Transmission Shudder DIY Fixes & Repairs Prevention Tips & Maintenance Final Conclusion Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Transmission shudders are a relatively common thing that drivers face each day. Some of them feel it less …
When the garages are closed is typically where your instrument cluster might illuminate a warm orange check engine light, which is a sign of diagnostics issues like P0014. Thanks to modern vehicle networking though, it has interpreted warning lights with less ambiguity. If you own a somewhat modern (post-2000) car, definitely consider purchasing an OBD2 scanner (and learning how to use OBD2 scanner). Plug the scanner in if your engine control unit (ECU) is indicating a fault: P0014 “B Camshaft …
Wondering what “Camshaft Position Sensor Bank 1” means? We’re guessing you have a P0017 trouble code in your car. This is just one of many trouble codes that indicate that you have a camshaft position sensor issue. A camshaft position sensor—or CMP for short—trouble code is not to be taken lightly. It’s crucial for your engine’s smooth operation and can lead to severe damage if ignored. Here’s everything you need to know: What Is A Camshaft? Camshaft Position Sensor Location …
Fixing Popping Noise When Turning: A Guide for Car Enthusiasts
As a car enthusiast, understanding the ins and outs of your vehicle is essential. One common issue that drivers may encounter is a popping noise when turning the wheel. This sound can be unsettling, but it’s crucial to diagnose and address the problem promptly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue, helping you become a more confident and knowledgeable car owner. Step 1: Identifying the Origin of the Noise The first step …